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Green tea · King of green tea

Xinyang Maojian

信阳毛尖, Yu Maofeng

7.5/10 editor's score

One of the top ten famous teas of China, from Xinyang in Henan. Its leaves are thin, round and straight, with abundant white hairs.

Famous teaHenanChina
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this teaCompare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dry leaf of Xinyang Maojian, top-down

What you need

3 g leafXinyang Maojian
250 ml water75 to 85°C
Steep 1:302 steeps
LiquorYellowish
Served inGaiwan (lidded bowl)

At a glance

One of the top ten famous teas of China, from Xinyang in Henan.

CaffeineLow to medium~20 to 40 mg, our estimate
Beginner fit8.0 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestSpringSpring leaf.
Pairs withSteamed fish, Dumplings, Light saladsLess good with heavy spice
Grown atHills of southern HenanXinyang, Henan
Served inGaiwan (lidded bowl)Porcelain bowl, lid and saucer

About Xinyang Maojian

What sources say about the taste

Sources describe a slightly thick, refreshingly brisk liquor with a long-lasting aftertaste, and a fragrant, floral smell 1.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it grows

XinyangHenanCHINA
Status
One of the top ten famous teas of China 1
Nickname
"King of green tea" 1
History
About 2,300 years of tea in Xinyang 1
Brand value
5.991 billion yuan, 2017 1

More from Xinyang and China.

History and culture

Tea was found in an ancient tomb in Gushi County, Xinyang, in 1987 1.

It won a gold medal at the 1915 Panama exposition 1.

It took first place for green tea quality in a 1990 national appraisal 1.

Editor's score

7.5/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the tea style, not a brand. How we score →

1086Flavour & complexity: 7.5Origin & heritage: 8.5Availability: 6.0Value: 7.5Beginner-friendliness: 8.0Versatility: 7.0Flavour 7.5Heritage 8.5Availability 6.0Value 7.5Beginners 8.0Versatility 7.0
Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg
Black tea (average)~47 mg
Xinyang Maojian~20 to 40 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg

Our estimate. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo ClinicC.

Harvest calendar

Our general guide for Chinese green tea. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

Camellia sinensis grown around Xinyang 1.

How it is made
01Withering

Withered 1.

02Kneading

Kneaded 1.

03Drying

Dried 1.

Dry leaf and liquor
Dry leafThin, straight, glossy leaves with white hairs 1.
LiquorYellowish 1.
After steeping
Wet leafTender green leaves.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Steamed fish
  • Dumplings
  • Light salads

Best avoided

  • Heavy spice

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

  • Airtight, opaque container, away from light, heat and smells.
  • Green tea fades fastest: aim to finish it within 3 to 6 months of opening.
  • Unopened sealed packs can go in the fridge. Let them reach room temperature before opening.
Grades and fakes

Spring grades are prized.

How to spot a poor or fake one

  1. Main areas include Pingqiao, Guangshan, Xin County and Luoshan 1.
  2. Look for Xinyang origin.
FAQ
Why "maojian"?

"Mao" is the fine fuzz in the cup, "jian" the sharp young leaf 1.

Find it inGreen teasTeas from ChinaXinyangFamous teaHenanChina

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Xinyang Maojian tea". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xinyang_Maojian_tea
  2. Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.